Cases of Covid-19 have declined by more than 30 per cent in South Gloucestershire, but the area recorded the 3rd highest rate of cases in the South West.

In the seven days ending on February 18, South Gloucestershire reported 109 cases per 100,000, compared to 158 the week before – a drop of 31 per cent.

With 186 cases in the week ending February 4, this means the speed at which cases are declining has doubled in the latest Public Health England figures.

The news comes after Boris Johnson announced the Government’s ‘roadmap’ out of lockdown on Monday, which aims to end almost all restrictions by June 21.

South Gloucestershire's progress is slow compared to other places in the South West. Only two out of 16 other locations have a higher rate of coronavirus infections: Bristol, with 118 per 100,000 and Sedgemoor with 124.

Swindon and Wiltshire have only a few less cases than South Gloucestershire, recording 102 and 100 cases per 100,000 people respectively.

The Cotswolds now has the lowest case rate in the South West, reporting only 32 new infections per 100,000 people.

Gloucester continues to take huge strides in the right direction, with cases declining by almost 50 per cent for the second week running.